Likely to be my last entry on this journey, I’ll start by thanking you for reading. It’s been a life-altering experience producing this movie and I’ll forever look back at these entries to remember the good, the bad and the amazing places. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about it all.

As I begin this last chapter, I pause to look out the window of yet another hotel room. But this time I see not another cycling-centric town on our screening tour, nor (thank GOD) the greed-consumption-sloth-ridden Las Vegas from 3 weeks ago, but the snow-capped Canadian Rockies. Since the first time I picked up a video camera some 8 years ago I have dreamed of this town. It has always been my dream to make something worthy of entry into the Banff Mountain Film Festival. As far as I know, it’s the benchmark of all outdoor film festivals. It’s also the only one that has a world-wide tour visiting almost 40 countries, growing stronger and traveling further every year.

When we first received word from Marti Wilson that we were on the “short list” of finalists I literally prayed we’d make that last step. If we made it into Banff, it would make all the absolutely disappointing events along the way somehow loose grip in my conscience. It would put so many things to rest. It would justify all the work. Not to mention vindicate the sheer frustration of things like not being selected into the “Bicycle Film Festival” or the “Taos Mountain Film Fest” - contests that we thought for sure we’d be in but were told our film was too long to fit into their programming (seems odd to judge quality by length alone). So when official word came that we were “IN” it was one of those moments in my life where I stopped unloading groceries from my truck, pumped my hands in the air like I just finished first in a NORBA (but alas, I was just standing alone in the middle of a dimly lit street).

In typical fashion, any “Gripped Films” event is always shadowed by being seriously gripped. Usually it has something to do with massive computer or technical issues just before a screening. There were sooo many times I’d be re-editing the film to the last minute then rushing to get a tape made to play. There was ALWAYS something going wrong. Sound issues. Cord issues. Screen issues. Flights, cars, traffic, cops - I even went to the wrong airport once. Plus I was always making the film better, and that meant ripping new files to the tape deck, then watching the tape methodically before playing it for an audience. Hours and hours striving for perfection. I hoped this time it would be different. Who was I kidding?

I ran out the door for the airport, forgetting my backpack of cycling gear. I realized it as the cab pulled away but figured it was snowing in Banff. No worries.

I went to Banff knowing we would probably not win any awards (being up against films like “March of the Penguins”) but what great company to be in eh? Just to be part of what many consider the best outdoor/adventure film festival there is, would be award enough for me. In the weeks leading up to that trip, I worked with the festival’s producer on mastering a DV Cam tape that would be played at the screening. I spent close to 80 hours on this labour of love, putting off freelance work and many potential rides and kayak sessions on the river. I wanted it to be perfect. The final result was flawless. So imagine my distain when, after choking up during my presentation speech to well over 300 people in the main theater, the movie started and what was being played was not the mastered tape, but a low-quality DVD from about 3 months prior. To sit through the screening hating what I saw broke my heart. It just about ruined the experience when I ran back to the projectionists booth and asked the guy why he wasn’t playing the tape and he dumbly stared at me and said, “Uh, all I know is there’s a DVD here so I put it in, isn’t the tape just a backup?”

It was one of those moments when you feel like a kid who just had his ice cream cone knocked out of his hands. I sat there watching the screen wanting soooo bad to either start crying or punch someone in the nuts. Seriously. I almost pounded the hippie in the projection room (who may very well have just made an honest mistake but hell, I wanted to pound him just the same). But nothing in life is perfect, right. Or as Adam would say, “That’s the way the cookie crumbles” or “Murphy’s Law - random stuff happens” or “frustration is as frustration does” - not that I’d find solace in any of the above. I almost left the theater but thank God I didn’t because when the film was done the applause started and just wouldn’t stop. The credits were rolling and still applause. Ken’s “Thank You’s” finished and slowly the applause tapered. After “The End” flashed on the screen, it started all over again - this time more intense than before! Well, I guess that put a smile back on my face and when the lights came up and I saw everyone still seated clapping - I felt like a little kid who got another ice cream cone handed to him.

So the rest of the week was spent exploring Banff, attending screenings, discussions, book signings and I even squeezed in a ride thanks to Jim Baker loaning me his bike, helmet, clothes and even his shoes! John Evely had Dori and I stop to get one great photo after another as he guided us along the Hoo-Doo trail, ringing his bell every 100ft. to ward off hungry Grizzlies. Halloween in Banff went off thanks to half the town consisting of Halloween-hungry Aussies. It was a great way to forget the tape fiasco and wrap up the year of filming and year of touring. I imagine that will be the last screening I attend. At least for a month or two!

Thanks again for reading and please - buy many copies of the DVD cuz we’re still paying off our loans and Christmas is coming! My poor family is getting nothing but some framed photos from the tour and a couple of ORTA DVD’s! Visa will get all my kibbie this year!

-Until the next project (keep an eye on www.greatfallsmovie.com )

Jason

Wednesday, April 13
Two days before the World Premiere
11 am

I just sat down. I’m getting glared at. Bad.

After travelling around the world last year, you’d think I would be savvy enough to leave my brand new Crank Brothers 19 Allen Tool in my bike box and not put it into my carry-on. But as the clowns of TSA ripped through my bike box, spewing the carefully packed contents all over the Dulles Airport departure terminal, I picked up my shiny new tool and instead of handing it back to the aggro woman who just flung it from it’s cozy home in my bike box, tucked it into my Timbuktu. Bad move. Security flagged me, escorted me out of line and after trying twice to mail it back to myself (and paying twice for an address label that refused to print), I had to hand it to the security guard to throw out. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. My flight was about to take off but since they had my luggage onboard, they held the flight until I finished sprinting to the gate. I was the last guy on the oversold plane. Oh the glares…

The entire flight out to California I was nervous. I had been up till 4am finishing editing and laying in some new music Haik had done but after sleeping for 3 hours I wrenched myself from the bed and watched the entire movie played from the tape we planned on using in the theater. It was a mess. Digital blips and flickers all over. The sun came up and there wasn’t time left to make another tape so I packed up my computer and Ken brought the small backup drive that had all the files of the film. We were mobile, if need be I could make slight edits to any part of the film. The thought of it was cool however - we were in need of not only 2 hours to rip the film to a new tape, but then also 2 hours to watch it played back to make sure this one was perfect. There was 3 hours of driving to do and one day until I’d be standing in front of a theater full of people, introducing the movie.

Thursday, April 14
The day was spent calling local media, TV and anyone we could think of to come to the theater. Ken and my friend Nick were at Sea Otter spreading the word while I stayed at the hotel monkeying with the tapes and setting up the lobby and projector. The theater was the most ornate, beautiful, stunning theater I have ever seen. It far surpassed our expectations and the staff onhand was more than helpful. We got the big display up, got the tables together and ran out to get concessions and table clothes. That night we did a dry run and sound check. It was amazing. But the tapes were still a mess. We had one more shot at it - another late night.

Friday, April 15
“It wouldn’t be a ‘Gripped’ production if it wasn’t down to the wire!” - Ken’s words were not comforting. I vowed to change our companies name. I ripped a new tape and watched it. Still a mess. We had one tape left. And a few hours. I ripped another one and ran across the street to the theater. Ken had been setting up with Haik, our composer, and their friends from San Diego, Alex and Stew. Dori arrived early so we put her to work as well. Before long it was time to take a fast shower, change and get the riders into the limo. From that point on it all seems like a blur. But what a great blur it was.

We got the movie off without too much trouble from the tape. Just one heart-stopping moment when it hick-up’d. But for the most part it was great. The crowd seemed to really get into it - hooting and cheering the entire way. I was so nervous about the tapes I could hardly enjoy watching and when it was over, and everyone was clapping, I finally cracked a smile.

We did it.

Big thanks to all who helped out and to all the riders.
More to come…as we headed to Hollywood next!

There really are only a number of hours left until the first screening of this film. What has taken almost a year of our life is about to come to fruition. I wish I could jump ahead 9 days. But instead, I’m waiting for my computer to reboot since it’s now crashing. A lot. Scares the hell out of me. I need another backup. And a backup for that.

But the music is starting to sing. The legal work - vast amounts of boring documents that can easily shut us down or bite us in the ass if the smallest detail is missed - is almost done. Ken has lived up to his title of producer on this project more than once. And this week is no exception. All I can say is, it’s a good thing I’m not the one left to the details.

But speaking of me - I haven’t much going on. Just emersed in the edit. I’m lucky to not have a normal job. I work on this thing day and night. That is it. I haven’t left the house in 4 days. Just no need to. Some nights it seems almost cozy. My social life consists of listening to the stories of the athletes in the film. Playing clips over sometimes just to hear those stories again and again. I feed the squirrels out back too. Well, until one bit me.

I guess this is what sleep deprevation does to a person. I feel all out of sorts. I’m down to 5 hours a nite. I think I’m getting used to it. Ok, computer is up. Gotta run. Thanks for checking in.

j

Today was a major victory for the movie. We have been anxiously - no, all caps - ANXIOUSLY - awaiting word from the US Olympic Committee. The past 48 hours have been a rollercoaster of emotion. After calling to see if it’s ok that an announcer in the movie mentions the “O” word, Ken was told by the USOC that we were in violation of their trademark “Road To Athens” and they wanted some money to let us use the name. Well, we could change the name easy enough but then they watched the trailer and BOOM - things got worse. They said the content of the film was “Olympic-themed” and that also violated their trademark - not good. SO - that seemed to the USOC to indicate that we should pay them royalties. And at first it looked like we might have to pay in the neighborhood of $150,000 - uh, yea. Riiiiight. I don’t live in that neighborhood and neither does Ken. Since I sold my bike in Austria to pay the rent I have not won the lottery. Nor has Ken taken a second morgage on his house or sold his kids into slavery - so that kind of money was NOT in our budget. After some fearful nights and ideas of changing the name (Off Road To Debt was my new favorite), we did some back and forth with the USOC and I’m STOKED to announce we struck a deal!!!! We don’t even have to open a new credit card for it! WHEW.

It might not sound like a big deal but as of this morning, the film was in serious jeapordy of coming to a quick end. VERY BIG THANKS to the USOC for being reasonable and working with us. Feels good to be legit!

So it’s full-speed-ahead and I’d once again like to thank anyone who is still reading this. Sorry it’s so long in between updates.

Ahhhh, FINALLY. The edit. DONE am I with watching every inch of tape shot. DONE scouring each location for background shots, establishing shots and clips that help the viewer get to see the magic of each location. STILL trying to choose the words each athlete spoke in their final interviews to help guide the viewer through the story BUT that’s ok. This is the meat & potatoes of the project. And I’m stoked to be here.

Ken has been lining up theaters - check the TOUR - OMG! I can’t believe we’re going to be showing this movie all across America and possibly in Europe and Asia. WHAT!? Well, this is fun part. Finally getting to dream about all the people watching it. And hopefully being moved by the film.

Well, for those who still check this post - thanks. The ball is fully rolling and from here on out - the FUN BEGINS!!! Check back for more updates soon!

Photo is my office at home - in full EDIT mode. Thank GOD I quit my old job, the MAN no longer contols my life!

j

You might think that by now, we are happily moving along with just editing. Flying through the hours of footage, picking nice shots and arranging them to music. Oh would I love to be at that point. Instead, we are returning phone calls, following up with e-mails and making new pitch videos to convince a few potential sponsors that this is worth the association with their company. For a sport that desperately needs exposure, you would think more people would be excited. Or at least find value in receiving an edited video from our footage for a minimal contribution to sponsor the film. We’re talking minimal, trust me. But if I had a rock, I’d have an easier time getting it to bleed than we are getting backing for this film. Add to that the best male mountain biker in America and his team are now all out of jobs (RLX has opted out of the cycling clothing line - poof, there goes the team) and GIANT won’t be fielding a team next year either. Adam, nice job getting on the podium at a European World Cup - the first American male to do so in about 10 years. Oh, BTW - you’re fired! Nice.

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised to hear, “Nice trailer but no thanks…”.
The frustration is now serving as fuel. But time is running out.

Point is, we are under the gun. So THANK GOD for those who have helped us. Thanks to SEVEN, KENDA, Crank Brothers and hopefully a few others.

The best thing to happen in the last week since returning from our shotgun trip through the West, Ken’s long-time friend Haik has agreed to score the music for the film. This guy is to music what MacGiver is to a Swiss-Army knife. Can’t wait to hear what he comes up with.

Ok, enough ranting from me. Back to work!
Photo is 2 weeks ago. Middle of the night, driving through Arizona, writing the script and navigating for Ken.

10.14

Man, each day we’ve worked hard and each day we get closer to wrapping the film. After leaving Dan’s place in Gunnison, we stopped a few blocks down and interviewed Susan DeMattei (sp?) since she is the only American to win an Olympic medal. Big thanks to her and Dave for giving us some time - they have 3 kids and are constantly on the go. Her interview went really well. Then we rolled out of town and made our way to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs to interview the head honcho of USA Cycyling, Gerard Besceglia. Gerard was a complete professional and showed an honest interest in taking ownership of the points debacle for the Olympic selection. He answered every question we threw at him and I think the viewer will appreciate hearing both sides of the story. I know I sure did. We left with a pair of new socks (thanks Steve!) and made our way to Boulder. We had not ironed out our accomidations and were quite broke. As we drove by a chi-chi looking hotel Ken said, “Someday I hope we’re getting paid enough to be staying at places like that…” We ended up doing even better. The TREK mechanic, Zack, who has been such a consimately nice guy from the day I met him, let us crash at his house. After a quick dinner with JHK and his fiance Heather, we got to Zack’s place and slept. For me it was the first night of true sleep without being medicated. My neck almost sent me home early on this trip and it made me pretty happy to be feeling better as it went along. I give Zack’s comfy futon and friendly atmosphere the credit. God it felt good to sleep.

Today we interviewed JHK for over 2 hours and he was a total champ about the entire process. His part in the film is going to be killer. Other than that, we got some promotional cards handed out to the local bike shops, had some lunch and left town. I was super happy to be heading home but definitely enjoyed my time in Boulder. Seemed like every person was outdoorsy and in great shape. Why the hell didn’t I goto college there??? Damn hindsight.

So now I’m sitting on a plane looking for a Jack & Coke to celebrate the trip. I only have Mary and Adam left to interview. Ken will take Sue and JB. Then we’re done. I hope.

Next stop, Martha’s Vinyard.
Photo is Ken and I poaching Todd’s wireless internet before leaving town.

10.12

Currently we are driving through Ouray, Colorado. It’s in the lower part of the state, just North of Durango. Not sure what you do for fun in Ouray but there are some serious cliffs surrounding the place. Ultra-sketch road coming here. Ken and I were both very gripped driving around corners w/no guardrails or shoulders, just a white line that falls off thousands of feet to the valley below. There’s a hot spring in Ouray but we don’t have time to stop. Our motivation is to get back down out of the mountains (we’re at 11,080 ft here) before the sun sets.

The last couple days have been great for the film. Yesterday we stopped in Cortez and interviewed John Tomac on his 700 acre farm. He was loading bales of hay and it was great texture for the shot. John had some great commentary and even showed us his bike-shed full of the original prototypes of Tomac frames. He seems like a very down-to-earth person and was gracious to give us some of his time. The aspens are in full peak of color. Blue skies and yellow dotted mountainsides have been a constant backdrop. Then we caught up with Todd Wells and his wife Meg in Durango. We shot Todd’s interview on the hillside of Fort Lewis College overlooking the town. Again, terrific scenery. We then had dinner with Todd and Meg at Steamers and crashed at Todds house. He’s really set up with a nice place right in town. I was surprised by how cool Durango seemed. It was one of the few places I’ve been that I knew instantly I could spend a lot of time in. With the Animas river cutting through the center of town offering killer fishing and kayaking and the surrounding mountains the potential for fun seemed huge. Healthy looking people there too, and very polite. Every stream Ken and I see we talk about the kayaking potential. I miss boating - been a long time that I’ve been out of my boat.

Today we woke up and drove to Elka’s killer house outside of town to catch up with Shonny. After a beautifully lit interview we all headed into town for lunch. Elka introduced us to a woman who is on the Durango Film Festival committee and she got us stoked to show the film in town. Next year for sure.

Now we’re heading out of Ouray towards Gunison to meet up with JHK’s mechanic Dan. Feels good to know we have a place to crash the next couple nights. If the weather holds, we’ll get more than we came for, and that’s a huge relief. USA Cycling called this morning and said they’d give us the interview we asked for so we’re really stoked about that as well. Should be a super productive trip. It’s just too bad there hasn’t been more time for riding - well, at least for Ken (I would have been able to at least score some killer fly-fishing in Durango). My neck is in really bad shape these days and I’ve been reduced to wearing one of those funny looking soft collars. I’ve ditching vanity for less pain, tho it doesn’t help much.

Ken, Alison and Greg before an “epic” in Moab. No riding for me.

Here I am, scared as hell, scoring a killer shot for - ??

Not sure what the Grand Canyon has to do with the movie but I got the shot…

Update from Todd’s place in Durango next….